Driver Fatally Injured in Newport Beach Car Crash

Steve Needis, 58, of Costa Mesa, was fatally injured in a Newport Beach car accident the morning of November 13, 2013, the Daily Pilot reports. Officials say the two-car crash occurred at the intersection of East Coast Highway and Promontory Drive. Needis, the driver of one of the vehicles, was transported to a local trauma center, but succumbed to his injuries. It is not known if the other driver was injured. No other information was available. Newport Beach police are still investigating the incident.

My thoughts and prayers are with the family members and friends of Steve Needis for their tragic loss. I offer my deepest condolences to them.

Crash Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2010 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person died and 450 were injured due to Newport Beach car accidents. In Orange County as a whole, 100 fatalities and 13,368 injuries were reported as a result of car crashes during the same year.

Right-of-Way Issues

Based on this news report, it appears that the fatal collision occurred at an intersection that is monitored by traffic lights. There are still several questions here. Which one of the drivers caused the accident? Who had the right-of-way at the time? Did one of the drivers run a red light or make an illegal turn at the intersection?

California Vehicle Code section 21453 (a) states: “A driver facing a circular red signal shall stop at the limit line before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection, and shall remain stopped until an indication to proceed is shown.”

Fault and Liability

In such cases, the at-fault driver can be held liable for the victim’s wrongful death. Victims’ families in such cases would also be well advised to contact an experienced Newport Beach personal injury lawyer who will analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held liable. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.